2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance versions' visual presence. Most versions received new wheel designs and finishes, tidying up the front end. Inside, the changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The seats from the MDX Type S model were introduced to the MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. Despite the quality, the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting lint and smudges. The MDX featured logically located controls, including a volume knob and quick-access buttons for the head-up display and safety features. The new Platinum Elite A-Spec trim blended luxury with a sportier look, with a Canadian MSRP of $78,005, including fees.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique design with a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, adhered to the brand's orthodoxy. The interior offered a variety of colours, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating an upscale and special feel. The GLE's interior was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, with slightly more second-row space than most competitors. The cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second-row seats and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, ensuring it could handle real work.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard in Canada. The MDX offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with driving modes including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. Fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 15.3 L/100 km. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth body motions and predictable behaviour. It provided a firm and communicative ride in the city, with swift acceleration for merging onto highways. However, the MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG models. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, with 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ used an uprated inline-six for 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ featured a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The GLE's refinement impressed, but it felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging, despite features like adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and eight massage programs, wrapped in perforated, piped, and quilted leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a fold-down middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats offered comfort and legroom, with side window shades. The third-row seat was challenging for adults to access and uncomfortable for grown-ups. In-cabin storage included a new centre console tray, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage areas. Cargo volume measured up to 512 litres behind the third-row seat, with a sizable well on the left side and a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third-row seats provided up to 1,367 litres of cargo space, and dropping the second row increased it to 2,690 litres.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, with no published specs for third-row space. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car's front seats were heavily bolstered, making entry and exit more difficult. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE's cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second-row seats and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The centre console provided reasonable storage for phones and drinks. The GLE's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7 and exceeding some competitors.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive experience. However, SiriusXM satellite radio required streaming through a phone app. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with sound from a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 or 31 speakers. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, offering two themes and a graphic representation of the MDX. A 10.5-inch head-up display showed data within the driver's line of sight. The MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec and Type S Ultra featured a surround-view camera system with front, side, and rear views, easily activated via a button on the windshield wiper stalk.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment touchscreen, creating a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. The interface could be accessed through a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen. The native voice recognition system simplified access to functions. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models featured an off-road display with a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, showing the area beneath the front of the vehicle. The air suspension could raise the ride height for additional ground clearance.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured hardware upgrades for its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, improving accuracy and refinement. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The standard AcuraWatch features performed well, with minor issues noted. The 2025 MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, with some important ones optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, automatic speed-limit and curve adaptation, stop-and-go functionality, lane-change assist, evasive steering assist, and cross-traffic function for automatic emergency braking. The GLE received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, but its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.